Shloka 10
Bhīṣma–Arjuna Strategic Engagement at Virāṭa’s Frontier (भीष्मार्जुनयुद्धम्)
ततोअ<र्धचन्द्रमावृत्य तेन पार्थ: समागमत् | वारणेनेव मत्तेन मत्तो वारणयूथप:,तदनन्तर पसीनेसे अर्धचन्द्राकार धनुषकी डोरीको माँजकर अर्जुन अश्वत्थामासे भिड़ गये, मानो कोई उन्मत्त गजयूथाधिपति किसी दूसरे मतवाले हाथीके साथ जा भिड़ा हो
tato 'rdhacandram āvṛtya tena pārthaḥ samāgamat | vāraṇeneva mattena matto vāraṇayūthapaḥ ||
ಆಮೇಲೆ ಧನುಸ್ಸಿನ ಜ್ಯೆಯನ್ನು ಅರ್ಧಚಂದ್ರಾಕಾರವಾಗಿ ಮಾಡಿ ಪಾರ್ಥ (ಅರ್ಜುನ) ಅವನ ಮೇಲೆ ಮುನ್ನುಗ್ಗಿದನು. ಮದಗೊಂಡ ಗಜಯೂಥಾಧಿಪತಿ ಮತ್ತೊಂದು ಮದಗಜದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಮುಖಾಮುಖಿಯಾಗಿ ಢಿಕ್ಕಿ ಹೊಡೆಯುವಂತೆ।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the intensity and parity of heroic confrontation: when two equally powerful forces meet, the outcome depends on steadiness, skill, and resolve rather than mere aggression. The elephant simile underscores controlled ferocity—strength directed toward a clear aim.
After arranging his bow (or bowstring) into a crescent-like ‘half-moon’ curve, Arjuna advances and engages his opponent directly. The encounter is compared to two rut-maddened elephants colliding—signaling a fierce, close-quarters clash between matched champions.